Baptisms

Congratulations on the first step in the life of faith!

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a life of faith. It is the mark of faith for your child as one of God’s children. “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the whole sacramental economy of the Church” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213). Holy Baptism cleanses us from original sin, marks us with an indelible character, and brings us into relationship with persons of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Since our chapel is not a parish where baptisms ordinarily take place, with good pastoral reasons we serve the University community in celebrating baptism. All families celebrating baptism on campus must have an active association with the University as an alumnus, faculty, staff, student, or active in our worshiping community.

We ask that families baptizing their first child complete a baptism preparation session. The ordinary place for this preparation is in your local parish. Once you have completed a preparation session, please provide us with a letter from the parish priest, deacon, faith formation director, or a certificate stating that you have met the requirements to have your child baptized.

All inquiries for the Sacrament of Baptism begin with an initial conversation by contacting Deacon Jonathan Schott ’02, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry, at jschott@sjf.edu or by calling (585) 385-8368.